GRASP

GRASP is a fun and interactive gatekeeper training program for students Grades 8 to 12 interested in learning skills to be effective peer helpers. We cover self-awareness, communication, healthy relationships, boundary setting, community resources, suicide awareness, and how to access help for others.

GRASP for high school students continues in its current format as a peer gatekeeper training program. We’re also excited about creating a student focus group to give young people a voice in future programming. This is an evolution of our existing mentor training program.

Empathy Students from Nanaimo District Secondary School created a promotional video about the Vancouver Island Crisis Society's GRASP program. We are proud of the inspiring contributions these students have made in this piece.

Young people often turn to their peers in times of difficulty and are aware of school dynamics about which school staff may not be cognizant. GRASP was developed as a Peer Gatekeeper training program to provide youth with the skills needed recognize and identify students at risk and where they can turn for help.

GRASP was designed to the boost self confidence, problem solving, community resource knowledge, knowledge of school district protocols, critical thinking, awareness of personal biases, resilience, and suicide awareness and response in students selected to take the program.

Through a series of games, interactive discussion, group activity, written work, and role play, youth learn:

Active listening skills

The impact of social and cultural biases on listening and helping

Why difficult situations can be turning points for the better

The power of our choices

How to respectfully communicate in an open and direct manner

The differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships

How to recognize manipulation

When to set boundaries

How to set boundaries

Coping with crisis

Suicide awareness, the importance of reaching out, and never keeping suicide a secret